Reading back through old posts whilst trying to get a "measure" of the forum, I noticed that quite a lot of private information is divulged here.
I'm not attempting to scaremonger, teach you how to "suck eggs", or otherwise patronise, but I think that in some cases, there is serious cause for concern........(mine and another PIO member's concern for others).
As someone who has been cyber-stalked in the past (yes, I'm
that popular)
and subsequently stalked by email and phone calls, I can assure you that it is not that hard to trace someone simply by divulging your real or username, coupled with your location.
In my instance, I simply posted that I was having trouble with my server (Primus) and from that info alone, they got to me. How? They simply guessed that my username (on that particular forum) was also my email addy ie.
itcouldbeworse@iprimus.com.au (this isn't my addy by the way). They then used what is called an Anonymous Re-mailer to send me malicious emails.
On another occasion, I divulged my given and surname, and location, and they went through the phonebook till they got me...........which was pretty easy really 'cause I was the only one with those initials. There then commenced a couple of months of my house, boat, and vehicle being egged, because of course, they got my address from the phone book. In this instance, I am certain that the perpetrators were members of PETA who targeted me because I was a fisho and was "cruel to animals"
I'm sure that UK forces members and ADF members are well aware of security issues and take precautions, but family members of same, should be aware of these issues and also post in relative anonymity. I worry constantly in regard to ex-forces (3 older boys ex senior NCO's) who post images and details in arenas such as facebook, and online Regimental re-unions and the like, add to that worry.
I have also seen kids divulge their telephone numbers here.
A few things that I have learned and recommend:
When using forums, have a different user name for each forum (different sites). If there is any controversy on a particular forum, where someone feels they want to "have a go" outside that forum, then if you have a different username, they can't google you, find your other forum postings, and follow you to another forum.
Don't use your email addy as a username, or divulge your server, then they can't put two and two together and get your email addy.
Don't use your real name as a username if you have divulged your location, then they can't look you up in the phone book.
Don't divulge your telephone number or address in an open forum.
Don't think that because you are "non-controversial" that cyber-stalkers will leave you alone. Although being controversial can invite retribution, often stalkers will target those they feel are more vulnerable........those who by not engaging in controversial threads, may appear more "timid".
Remember, if you post photos of your kids or self, outside your property and you have a general location with your username, then a search in the general area via google maps, can find your property, now that they've imaged and listed street images.
Stay safe, and please add other recommends if you can think of any.
kev
Or do I? I am actually Earlswood in disguise..ok I admit it.
